Historical Commission advances acquisition of two MBTA railroad buildings

SUDBURY -- August 15, 2023, Sudbury Historical Commission lands DCR support for acquiring two historic railroad buildings. The state Department of Conservation and Recreation told town counsel it is "supportive of the town's ownership and management as trail-side amenities of both the section house and the former South Sudbury station," provided any transfer does not impinge on DCR's rail-trail rights, Chair Christopher Hagger reported Aug. 15. The MBTA owns both structures. The commission also voted 6-0 to continue a public hearing on 196 North Road, where partial demolition occurred without permits, to Sept. 19, and spent more than an hour with Combined Facilities Director Sandra Duran on Hosmer House conditions after humidity in the art room hit 77 percent and mold was found on stored books. Duran warned the uninsulated house has no environmental controls and "I have no ability to guarantee you at any level that we can stop any kind of mold." Member Jan Costa reported the FY24 commission budget was increased from $8,271 to $8,500.